Why Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree at Saint Leo University?
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in today’s dynamic job market with job growth that has exploded in just the last few years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity occupations were expected to grow by 37% from 2012 to 2022 – by far the fastest rate of any field. And this number could rise even more over the next five years if threats to our security become more widespread.
Saint Leo University is proud to offer an associate degree in cybersecurity. This degree is an undergraduate, online degree program that prepares students with knowledge and applicable skills necessary for entry-level careers in cybersecurity. In addition, it provides the broad foundational knowledge to continue on to a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and related areas for even further opportunities for career advancement.
As we rely on technology more and more each day, our lives become increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, identity theft, and many other potential problems that were non-existent only a decade or two ago. More than ever before, it’s a must to protect any type of data – from personal identifying information like social security numbers to confidential corporate financial records. There is a dire need for skilled professionals to protect all cyber communications systems from the constant threats that exist today.
Almost every day, shocking headlines run across news sites about the latest hack or security breach. This program is essential to providing a comprehensive introduction to the world of cyber security – and why it is more critical than ever.
This program is offered:
Campus
Education Center
Online
The Associate of Arts in Cybersecurity degree provides students with the skill set needed to be thought leaders in the field of cybersecurity.
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
60 hours
Associate Cybersecurity Program Details
During the coursework, students will be educated in the technical aspects of cyber security systems and will be prepared to assume responsibility for the operation and oversight of these systems. Learn to solve real-life problems involving the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, network, and systems for securing information resources.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Cybersecurity students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your cybersecurity degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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It will help me be responsive to the latest needs and issues such as gender identity, issues of technology, abuse, and the concerns of the smartphone generation. What I like is that it will teach me how to use applied theology to discuss these issues.
Fr. Rojas
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New Associate Program Discount: New Horizons
The New Horizons Discount offers a significant savings for students who enroll in the online Associate degree, making education more affordable and accessible. This discount provides students with high-quality education and the opportunity to earn a degree that can lead to better career prospects and higher earning potential.
Are education centers near you offering cybersecurity degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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How will you gain real experience?
Classroom learning is only part of the cybersecurity degree program at Saint Leo University. We also know the value of hands-on experience. That is why internships and research projects are built into the curriculum. Saint Leo has a strong relationship with many internship organizations across the country, including Boys & Girls Club and Head Start.
Plus, our Career Services center is always available to help connect you with a variety of other experiential learning opportunities to fit your individual career goals.
What can you do with an associate's cybersecurity degree?
Students will gain marketable skills in network defense, internet security, ethical hacking, computer forensics, and managing information security.
What are the top cybersecurity degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Network administrator | 5% | $84,810 per year |
| Information security engineer | 33% | $103,590 per year |
| Computer systems analysts | 7% | $93,730 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
College of Business
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Saint Leo University’s Center for Cybersecurity Education (CCE) is housed under the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems in the College of Business. The center strives to strengthen the undergraduate and graduate curricula of the university’s cybersecurity degree programs and create a knowledgeable and skilled workforce to supply a steady stream of cybersecurity professionals for both private and public sector roles. In addition, the center supports student and faculty with cutting-edge applied cybersecurity research.
Our academic programs include both undergraduate and graduate degrees, which are supported by a state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab, a cyberforensic lab, and two computer science labs. Graduates from our programs are equipped with knowledge and experience to pursue careers in the IT industry or advanced research degrees. Faculty and students conduct research on a wide range of topics such as cryptography, database security, information systems security, mobile security, and network security. Plus, the center serves both public and private organizations by providing training and research on current cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
Student Stories
"Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management provided me the opportunity for flexible learning alongside other supply chain professionals in my industry. With this MBA, I expanded upon educational and professional abilities within the field of Supply Chain Operations."
Paige Holt- MBA Student specializing in Supply Chain Management
Paige is one of our MBA students who has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management.
“Learning ignites my passion to seek and find information that intrigues my soul, spirit, and mind. Education at Saint Leo University has had an extremely positive influence on my life and my development as a person. It has made me more confident and enabled me to steer into my destiny. Saint Leo University has provided me with different learning experiences that has enabled me to branch out and work with people effectively. It has helped me develop a great amount of self-discipline and, aside from teaching me some very important life skills, Saint Leo University has opened many doors for my future.”
Karen Sislava Reyes - MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
Karen came to Saint Leo from Flagler College where she earned her undergraduate accounting degree. Karen has worked as an intern for CliftonLarsonAllen. She plans on sitting for the CPA exam this year and will then pursue a doctorate degree.
''As a graduate now pursuing my masters of science in accounting, I’m even more thankful for how well Saint leo equipped me and not just educationally but as a leader, student, and even on a personal level. It is truly a privilege to have been taught by professors whose efforts go beyond the classroom.”
Tayhana Taylor - Undergrad Bachelor of Science- Accounting
Tayhana has completed four prestigious internships, including two with the BIG 4 CPA firms of Ernst & Young and Deloitte in New York City. These internships were highly competitive, and Tayhana engaged in both audit and tax while in these roles, gaining experience with leading-edge accounting protocols. She has been offered a full-time position with Deloitte in 2025. Tayhana has published three articles with faculty in the Tapia College of Business. The most recent titled, "The Impact of COVID-19 on the Airline Industry," was published in the Journal of Finance and Accountancy in Fall 2023
Saint Leo University has truly been a stepping stone for me. When I entered this university 4 years ago, I was unaware of what I’d be like when I left. Now, 3 weeks away from graduating, I am so thankful that I was a student here. Your time at Saint Leo University is what you make of it, and Saint Leo students are provided with so much opportunity to succeed.
O'shea Williams - Bachelor of Arts Developmental Psychology
“Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Charles Onyeneke ’17
University Campus, Theology
“As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Center for Online Learning, Religious Studies
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.